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Tommy Toy's Cuisine Chinoise
Category: Restaurants Chinese Chinese [Edit]
655 Montgomery St(between Merchant St & Washington St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 397-4888
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Mon-Sun 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
308 reviews for Tommy Toy's Cuisine Chinoise
Review Highlights
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"My favorite course was the seafood bisque." In 62 reviews -
"I highly recommend the Signature dinner." In 37 reviews -
"Dine about town, amazing service." In 39 reviews
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308 reviews in English
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Review from Mario L.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2012
Such a traditional and lovely place - the food artfully crafted and the service was superb, warm and even funny at times - it was like being in a 90's action movie
Do get the prix fixe, you'll sample delicious fare including their signature pekin Duck (to die for) and equally substantial seafood bisque (baked within a coconut and topped off with puff pastry dough) finger licking good times.
They will sing happy birthday (poorly but with great effort) if advised there is a birthday patron (be warned)
Amazing experience, will repeat. -
Review from Matsuo U.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2012
One of the stalwarts of Haute Chinese cuisine in San Francisco. Elegant environment, super service, fantastic food. As many reviewers point out this is not a "cheap" joint. Pay to play is what it is about...ahhhmmm you pay for the food and environment. The fixed price dinner I think was about $ 50/person. Yes not cheap, but anyone who has eaten at an upscale restaurant in Hong Kong will say, "you think Tommy Toy's is expensive? ... you should try "X" Chinese restaurant in HK".
The name "Tommy Toy's Cuisine Chinoise" should be a recognizable clue, that this is not a joint to get a $4 plate of Chow Fun. -
Review from andrew s.
Portland, OR
4/28/2012
The sea bass was off the chart.
Allot of hype on this place but it's very authentic.
And it's spendy for the portions.
But every dish was so tasty.
I was with five people and tried a bite of each one.
Enjoyed them all.
Shrimp and chicken lettuce wrap was fresh.
Pot stickers were very hand wrapped and small which is nice.
Service was good.
Drinks were okay, but food was better.
Which counts more.
I'd go back and pay the price. -
Review from Joel A.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
Best business lunch bargain in the financial district. Very quiet, beautiful surroundings, excellent service and delicious food for the price of cheap takeout.
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Review from Yvette S.
Fremont, CA
5/24/2012
I would give this place 5 stars but the portions are so small but the food was delicious!
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Review from Jerry C.
4/20/2012
I almost have to give this place the Jedi Master Class five star rating because of the amount of money I spent on dinner, the rating is more for my sanity than anything else. It's like convincing yourself that the hooker you just paid 5000 dollars for was the spitting image of Megan Fox, even when in actuality she looked more like Linsdsey Lohan.
i took the boss/wife and my lil sis here for my little sister's 25th birthday celebration. the moment we walked inside I was very impressed with the old school luxury of this place. my sister even said that she felt like she should be "smoking a cigar and cheating on her wife." Definitely old school gentleman's club vibe going on at this place. The hallway was loaded with pictures of the rich and famous who have eaten at this place from Cindy Crawford to fucking Mikhail Gorbachev!
The servers are all top flight, though I do have a small issue with their affected Chinese "accents". Its like they all went to the Martin Yan school of Engrish and were all top graduates. You just have to be there to understand what I am talking about..and oh yeah..be Chinese as well. Don't think my white brothers know what I am talking about..they all probably think we all sound like Martin Yan anyway .. and probably know Kung Fu as well.
Had their signature dinners, and it was all good. Others on Yelp have already praised their food, so I will keep this very short and sweet.
the food here is presented in a very nice and exquisite, expensive looking way. The ingredients are top level. Is this food in any way French? Ummm.....No.
Is it tasty? You bet.
Will taking a date here get you some? Most likely. -
Review from Erica T.
3/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place is not worth the hype. Not even worth the money too. I can go somewhere cheaper and still get the same quality for food. We went there and ordered the Executive luncheon ($23.95) and the portions are small. Service is pretty good, plates were removed after appetizer and right before dessert. Tea was refilled often, so the servers were attentive.
I don't think I would come back here again just because this place just isn't worth the money for food you can get so much cheaper in Chinatown. -
Review from Keilin H.
1/26/2012 3 photos
Tommy Toy's is kind of like Benihana. They're both hyped up and people get excited when they see the Wall of Fame ("Ohhh Chuck Norris came here! It MUST be good!"), but in all honesty, the food isn't that great.
Me and the parentals got BBQ duck salad (with jellyfish!) and the Shanghai Bisque soup to start. For our entrees, we all shared Snow Pea Chicken, Pacific Sea Bass en Papillote (in parchment), and Filet of Sea Bass in Black Bean Soya.
The food was decent and I especially liked the Pacific Sea Bass; however, I felt like they used WAY too much flour or corn starch in their dishes! The sauces were thick and goopy and not in a good way. The Filet of Sea Bass was too salty (maybe too much black bean soy sauce?). Also, isn't this restaurant suppose to be a French-Chinese fusion?? What was French about our dishes?? I guess baking fish en Papillote? One more complaint I have is that the teacups are TINY. Sure the teapot is this beautifully designed ceramic work that looks like it should be at the Asian Art Museum, but really...all I want is to not have to refill my cup every 5 minutes.
I do admit, the service here is EXCELLENT. The servers are all very polite and make sure you are well taken care of. The atmosphere is very romantic and...mature. Do NOT take young kids here. Some of the tables are pretty close together. It was kind of awkward to hear the people next to us talking about their work day.
Eh, I probably won't be back here. It's SUPER expensive and the food is just OK. Just because a bunch of famous people came here doesn't mean squat. -
Review from Denise C.
Pacifica, CA
1/15/2012
This is definitely not your average Chinese food place. It's more of a French style Chinese food place, which is definitely suited for certain occasions, but is not somewhere I would go on a daily basis. I came here with my boyfriend on a Friday night (right before the Yelp event :D) since he had a coupon ($25 for $50 deal) that his family had purchased through OpenTable.
The atmosphere is very interesting. Very dim lighting, cozy, extremely unique decor (they're going for the luxury/opulent feel), the silverware and plates are all hefty, and it is generally pretty quiet (not a lot of loud conversations, though there are a few exceptions). Pretty perfect for a date night, except for the fact that some of the tables are pretty close to each other, so you might be more intimate with the people next to you then you might like.
Service is particularly slow (in the beginning), but I have a feeling that it is in part to convince the diners to slow down to enjoy the food, and also to give people some time (especially people on dates) to start some conversation without being constantly interrupted. I can see how the slow service could irritate some people though; it took us quite a bit to get actual food menus. This didn't bug me a whole lot though, as it was a Friday and we weren't in any particular hurry to be anywhere (though we did spend more time here than we expected). The wait staff is polite and unobtrusive; sometimes I didn't even notice when they refilled our water glasses!
They start you off with a drink menu (which is very extensive, focusing mostly on wine and cocktails) from which we ordered the Strawberry Kiss to share. They also provide a full bar if their drink items are not to your liking. The Strawberry Kiss was made with Bacardi Limón Rum, Grand Marnier, strawberry puree, cranberry juice, and had a strawberry garnish on the side. To be perfectly honest, I think they put a bit too much rum in the drink, though some people may prefer it that way (sharper taste and less sweet). It could've been a bit more balanced in my opinion, but maybe that was because strawberries are out of season right now (they used fresh strawberry puree).
For dinner, we picked one of their prix fixe menus ($39), Winter Treat, which comes with an appetizer, soup, and three entrees. Once we ordered, service picked up a little; food came quickly and was timed perfectly as we finished each course (we were never staring at an empty plate for long). We started off with the barbecued duck salad with jellyfish in ginger vinaigrette dressing. For me, this dish kinda missed the mark (the only one) as there was very little duck in the duck salad and almost no jellyfish which was rather disappointing. The salad itself was alright, and there was nothing off-putting about it in terms of taste.
The soup was a Shanghai bisque with pacific flounder, silken tofu, and cilantro. This was a rather interesting dish, with large pieces of flounder and tofu. The fish was incredibly tasty and cooked perfectly, but the bisque itself wasn't particularly memorable (it did taste good though).
The pan-seared pacific salmon in ginger sauce was absolutely amazing. Just the right amount of crisp on the outside to give the perfect texture with an extremely delectable inside; flavorful and cooked perfectly. This and the next entree were my favorite dishes of the night. The ginger sauce was very gingery (I didn't mind, but it did catch my boyfriend off guard) but it added another dimension to the already incredibly juicy fish. The plating wasn't particularly impressive with this one, but it that didn't stop it from being crazy good.
The next entree was the stir fried beef tips with snow peas in X.O. sauce. This seemed to have the most effort in their plating consideration (there is a small chili garnish cut into a flower on top; this chili is not for the faint of heart!) with the extra garnish and snow peas on the edges arranged into a pattern. The beef was super tender and exploding with flavor, and in combination with the crisp snow peas, this dish was definitely one of the favorites of the night. This entree came with a small bowl of their four seasons fried rice with shrimp, chicken, beef, and barbecued pork. The fried rice was nothing particularly impressive, but it did taste good.
To be honest, though the dinner was well done, there were some major things lacking (like tea!). I mean I know they were pushing their wine pairing (which can go well with Chinese food), but I feel like I can't really enjoy Chinese food without a good cup of Chinese tea.
All in all, great date atmosphere, crazy pricey (still came out to be about $45 with the coupon, on top of the $25 that was already paid), main courses are amazing, the other stuff could use some work (including timing early on). We may come back some time, but it's not something we'd go out of our way for. -
Review from Osos I.
Los Gatos, CA
Updated - 2/14/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Tommy Toy's has regained its spark! Food was excellent, service was awesome. I've been back here 3 times since my original negative posting and i have been impressed with the turn around. Order the signature dinner! If you get Edward as your waiter tell him that you want the original signature dinner and he will replace the shrimp appatizer with the minced squab in a lettuce cup!
Definately a recommended place for a special date!
Woof.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/13/2010
I used to be a Tommy Toys fan, but after my last experience there I'm not sure I'm going to be going… Read more »
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Review from Robert C.
Santa Cruz, CA
Updated - 1/15/2012
I came here again after the Saints Vs Niners game. Even though my Saints lost, we had a great dinner.
The food like the game was amazing. The food always surprises me because its so good. I had the signature dinner and everything was just fine. I was i asked for seconds on the duck course. I can't wait to go again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2012
FOOD IS AMAZING!!!but the dessert was just blah. The last 3 times I have been here I got the… Read more »
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Review from elmira k.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
Me and my Bf come here for happy hour now and then. The service is great and the drinks are strong and half off. We usually get a few appetizers that never seem to disappoint, all though they are very small.
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Review from Scott G.
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
So, I ventured here with some work colleagues for a holiday lunch. We had arranged a sampler lunch menu, which made things pretty easy on me - no real decisions to make! Just like work!
We started off with appetizers of egg roll and squab lettuce wrap. I thought the egg roll was extremely good and the baby pigeon was fine, but I didn't scream delicacy like I was sold on the front end. For our main, we had a sampler plate, which included: spicy prawns, herb chicken and marinated steak, along with rice. Everything on the plate was good, but Chinese usually is, right?
This was definitely one of the more nicely decorated Chinese restaurants I have been to, which really isn't saying much. I mean, tacky is usually a prerequisite to tasty, right? The service was excellent, even though I literally only understood every fifth word our attentive waiter said. Apparently, he was funny because he was cracking himself up a lot...
He is my issue, though. My issue is now; how I feel at this very moment. The food must have been so laced with sodium that literally every drop of water in my body has been sucked dry. My head is raging so badly that I feel like after night #2 of my bachelor party in Vegas! (note: you WILL NOT find a review of that!)
So, while the experience was pleasant and I like my co-workers enough to purposely eat a meal with them, the after effects are challenging me to consider if it was worth it. I will definitely be taking the slow boat back if I ever choose a return trip... -
Review from Christina L.
Selma, CA
4/2/2012
Every time I go, they never fail to get me the best of what I always order: The Signature Dinner. All three times I've been there, it's been PERFECT! Favorite restaurant for my birthday as well!
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Review from Sandy L.
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I suppose I can see the appeal of this restaurant for a large business event or for the out of towner/tourist who wants a Chinese dinner experience without all the dirtiness and sloppy service, but I'm not sure if i can justify the food with the amount we paid~!!
My mom and I did the four course pre-fix and my dad and bf did the 6 course pre-fix. both had a variety of options but i thought that the portions are small, the quality is just OK and the taste isn't as flavorful as I would expect of a $15-20 plate of food.
Coconut soup = 3 stars - very interesting and original concept. the taste was good!
Fish = 1 star - overcooked and bland. Wrapped in parchment paper and very ugly plating.
Peking duck = 4 stars - I thought this dish was GREAT! Why only give you one bun?? You're paying $15!!!
My only experience that would make my review higher would be the service. they are very attentive and you have about 4 people serving you at any one time. Everyone is quick, courteous and your glass is never empty. It's quite excellent. If i was SOLELY judging on the service, i would give them a 5 star! -
Review from Maya S.
11/25/2011
At Tommy's I ordered the Luncheon Special with the following: Pot Stickers + Vanilla Prawns + Lemon Grass Chicken Filet + Veggie Fried Rice + Peach Mousse. My favorites of the special were the vanilla prawns which were juicy with a sweet flavor, and surprisingly, the peach mousse which came with a freshly made strawberry sauce.
Service here is very friendly but a bit slow, even if the restaurant isn't busy. I felt a bit stuffy in the restaurant because there aren't any windows and every inch of the place is heavily decorated. Plus when not so busy at the restaurant, you could probably hear a needle drop. Maybe some music would help. But check out the wall with pics of Tommy Toy and a bunch of celebrities. You'll find a bunch of pictures that look like their from the 90s including one of Cindy Crawford and Chuck Norris! -
Review from Nancy S.
11/16/2011
Came here for dinner since I wanted to support a friend who was working there.
Service was really great and I think my favorites were the Peking Duck and the potstickers. The Peking Duck was probably one of the BEST I've had in my life. It was freaking bomb! Potstickers were really juicy as well. It somewhat reminded me of the Shanghai Dumpling Shop since there was so much juice inside. Loved it!
Had a great experience but I'm not sure if I'd come back anytime soon since this is just Chinese food, but presented nicer...and it leans more towards the pricier side. -
Review from Miss L.
Bay Area
3/12/2012
I really like the venue inside, but it is a bit dark The food is very good. It is a very classy and expensive but a nice place to eat.
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Review from Ron P.
South San Francisco, CA
11/3/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Wow has this place gone downhill in the last few years. I could blame the new ownership, but i still see some familiar faces from yesteryear. The service is still good, but the quality and flavor of the food has severely dimished.
Do yourself a favor and go to R&G Lounge down on Kearny. -
Review from Mike W.
2/9/2012
Tommy Toy's has over the decades earned the stellar repute of being the "classy" Chinese restaurant of San Francisco and bills itself as "French Chinese fine dining". At one time, it might have been innovative, offering a French-influenced take on Cantonese cooking plus a lush, romantic atmosphere. However, Tommy's is showing its age and in a city often considered to be the best dining overall in the US, the same tropes and trends that worked years--if not decades--ago are not going to cut it today. Tommy's menu is impressive but not very innovative or current, providing much the same type of food you can find for a lot less money at places like the House of Nanking or Yuet Lee (for Cantonese seafood) or a number of other places around SF's Chinatown. As for the atmosphere, it's wall-to-wall Chinosere glitz and faded green carpet. Romantic? Not really, not quite to me: it seems like where your great-uncle would bring your aunt for a special night out or a good place for a business lunch but it's not very alluring to me compared to other options in SF.
The service however, is top-notch and the food for what it is, is pretty tasty but again you're paying more for the atmosphere, name, and service than the food. If you consider that a "new" menu item for dinner is the "Black Pepper Beef Tips Wok-Seared with Onions" you will see what I mean: most of what they do here is pretty traditional Cantonese food adjusted to an American palate--which is after all what most Chinese restuarants in America have been doing for decades. The supposed French influence I see only in small glimpses and glimmers here and there in the menu and really feel if this was their emphasis they could do more to unite Chinese and French cooking in an impressive, innovative, manner. The "Executive Lunch" however seems more promising in some regards--including price--than the dinner menu and includes currently "Sautéed Prawns with Lychee and Pineapple Cassis Nectar" which sounds like more of the direction you'd expect from a leading French-Chinese restaurant experience on the cutting edge.
I believe you can dine better in SF than Tommy Toy's but it's obvious from its long tenure they have their fans. For the same price range--and for Asian--I'd suggest the sushi at Kyo-ya on down on Market Street, though. For Chinese, there's really no shortage of options in SF. -
Review from Lynda N.
Union City, CA
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE ME SOME TOMMY!!!
(I can say this as I've never dated any guys named Tommy)
But I love, love, love the food here at Tommy Toy's
Their lobster bisque served in a fresh coconut with a pastry topping.. is... oh sooooo good!!! Heaven on EARTH!! I can swim in it...!! LOL
But it's not the only amazing dish at this place. I was first introduced to Tommy about 7 years ago by an Ex. We used to frequent this place for all our special celebrations - Birthdays, Anniversaries, Wednesday (LOL)!
My favorite is to get their 7-8 course signature dishes. Sounds like a lot but it is a good portion of appetizers, soup, entrees, finished off with a dessert... and did I mention one of the entrees is Lobster!! Let's not forget though that the signature course is a bit pricey in the $80-90 range per person.. but it is worth every penny.
Oh .. and don't let me forget the awesome waiters. The waiter captain... I think he's been there for a super long time... as long as I've been going there and then some I'm sure!!
But if you are more on a budget and want to try out Tommy Toy's they typically participate in Dine-About-Town that gets you a 3-4 course dinner for about $35!!
Google Dine-About-Town and keep an eye out for the dates - usually Jan & June each year. -
Review from Jason S.
South San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
I was lured over here by some internet deal. I got really excited, made the hubby buy TWO (count it) $50 dinning coupons. Used one for this first visit and am now wondering what to do with the second one because I do not want to go back here.
First off, ambience: located on the ground floor of a large skyscraper type bldg across the street from the pointy SF pyramid. pretty nondescript. The interior is dark dark dark, covered in swaths of hanging dark-red tasselly satin like fabric, like a high class oriental sex bordello. Near the Maitre'D there are pictures of all the famous celebs who visisted the resto. You will notice that all of the people in the pics are dressed in trendy 90's fashion...probably the heyday of Tommy Toy's.
As for the food, it was leaning on kitschy. There was a soup served in a coconut. It was very bland. I think the appetizers were decent. However the main course...some beef and other meat, was also bland. Fried rice was equally bland and expensive as it is served individually and not family style. I had a lychee martini which was meh because it burned my throat but I'm not much of a drinker so maybe that's what it's supposed to do?
After the hubby and I were done with our meal we were heading out. Near the exit I noticed the large portrait of the former owner Tommy himself with the years he was alive underneath his name. I didn't realize that he passed away like 4 years ago. I couldn't help but think that maybe if he was still around the food would be of higher quality.
...Now what to do with that left-over dinning coupon... -
Review from Mark M.
9/7/2011
Tommy Toys is known as the upscale French influenced Chinese restaurant in Old San Francisco. Personally, I was quite disappointed.
I had a taste of quite a few of their flavors here. Although delicately prepared, I'm sad to say that there was nothing avant garde about the food. There are a lot of international flavors now in Asian food, and unfortunately, Tommy's flavors are outdated...maybe by 10 years.
Yes, the service here is impeccable and the food is very well presented. However, the menu and food really needs to be updated. There is French influenced Chinese food abundant today, and what is available out there is just more imaginative.
Sorry Tommy. A very impressive establishment. But the food should still be the centerpiece. A much needed update would change everything here. -
Review from Anthony C.
Roseville, CA
1/8/2012
Excellent service. Romantic atmosphere. Expensive menu. Okay food. peking duck lived up to its hype. Seafood bisque did not as it was just okay. Eggplant a bit on the oily side. Beef medallions were a bit on the dry side. Nice to experience it one time but probably won't be coming back.
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Review from Matt D.
Modesto, CA
2/25/2012
We have eaten at Tommy Toys many times, always ordering the signature dinner. "Eat like taco!" Always a fantastic evening of great food.
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Review from Shell S.
Redwood City, CA
1/4/2012
This place is a RIP OFF!!!! Hold on to your wallets and run.
Now I don't mind paying for fine dining but this is NOT fine dining. The dishes/ingredients definitely do not reflect the outrageous prices they charge for mediocre flavors and very tiny portions. We paid $150 for 5 dishes for 3 people (without drinks) just so we could get somewhat full. The server said this is a "French" style Chinese food , they just stick a "French" label and aside from the price and portion there was nothing French about this place.
They did not have chow main on their dinner menu but they said they have it on the lunch menu for $11 and they will make it for us. He also said you definitely need 3 because they are single serving size (which they were) and guess what? We get the bill and they had charged us $22 per plate just for chicken chow main that had 3 pieces of chicken, some noodle and 2 bok choys!!! Imagine paying $66 for chicken chow main that was equivalent to one standard portion at traditional Chinese restaurants and it had nothing in it.
The prawn and eggplant had 2 prawns (according to the server, we think it was one) minced so fine that it looked like garlic particles and barely any flavor!!! We had to order $20 for a tiny plate of steamed veggies because none of our main dishes had any significant veggies.
If I could give it 0 stars I would. Take your money and go to other restaurants for much better experience of fine dining. If you want decent Chinese food go to Erik's and if you want French food and pay the premium then there are many better options in the City.
As other yelpers mentioned the only appeal of this restaurant is its location which is in the heart of Financial District and it'll be suited for expensive business lunch/dinners. -
Review from Lanya B.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
I came here for a business dinner and was thrilled that we could get in on short notice. The food is good, the service is SLOW as shit! If you don't mind pouring your own tea and want to linger at dinner for hours as well as ask for the check then run don't walk to Tommy Toy's.
SIde note- had the service been on point, I would have rated the food 4 stars. -
Review from El T.
Miami, FL
1/26/2012
Went for a conference. Pretty tasty food and great service.
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Review from Robert M.
3/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
We had a large group for a birthday dinner and our host went all out. She was one of the first two customers to dine at Tommy Toy's when they originally moved to this location and we were all treated like royalty. I will try my best to run down our entire menu. We started with minced squab wrapped in lettuce. Next was spare ribs that literally fell off the bone, then a barbecue duck salad. Then it was time to get serious with the crispy prawn Chinoise accompanied by crispy lotus and a seafood bisque that was served in a coconut shell and topped with buttery puff pastry. Several main courses started off with whole Maine lobster and cellophane noodles, Peking duck (carved at the table and served with little dumplings to stuff with duck, scallions and cilantro), and THEN medallions of filet expertly cooked. I didn't think it was possible, but I then put away some peach mousse nestled in strawberry compote. The service was old-school attentive without a single hitch. I know this was not the everyday meal, but it was absolutely perfect and well executed. For me, Tommy Toy's is still a class act.
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Review from Bananalisa B.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2011
The look and feel... it's straight Chinese Mob status. Ha! Tasty 6-course meals for a great night out. Pricey but hey - it's delish. Pay attention to their Dine About Town menu or their Signature Dish Coursed Meals.
Crispy Seafood Spring Rolls
Satay Prawns Grilled
Vanilla Prawns Lightly-Fried
Fresh Whole Maine Lobster
Peking Duck in Lotus Buns Served with Hoisin Sauce (BEST!)
Pork Tenderloin Lightly-Fried with Lychee and Pineapple
Baby Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushrooms in Oyster Soya
Four Seasons Fried Rice with Barbecue Pork, Fried Egg, Scallions -
Review from Gene W.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been to Tommy Toy's for many a New Year's Eve celebration, and have enjoyed the elegant atmosphere, incredible food, and superb wait staff immensely. I particularly enjoy their background music, which includes a variety of chamber music, opera, and orchestral overtures. I've performed here in string quartets/quintets with friends and it is just such a privilege to know that they appreciate the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven!
The seafood bisque, lobster mein, peking duck, mongolian lamb, and the eggplant are must-haves. If you're in the mood for a drink, you have to try the lychee daiquiri. If you don't want to spend the money for the four course prix fixe dinner, which is still very reasonable at $48/person (have any of you looked at how much an overcooked slab of meat at Ruth's Chris costs these days?), their lunch special is only $17. If all you're looking for is the most number of pounds of food at the lowest price possible, you're in the wrong place...the experience, the taste of the carefully prepared and presented food, and a superior level of service is what to expect! -
Review from Patrick L.
Danville, CA
5/27/2011
I think there is a lot of hype with this place because the name is well known. If you're looking for a "real" Chinese food dining experience, this probably isn't the place for you. To me, this place is more like a movie set, where there are a lot of great things on the walls to see. As a result, it's somewhat tough to rate a place like this because you know it's not real really good Chinese food but at the same time, you're paying for the show.
I ended up having the lunch special: pot stickers (ok), vanilla prawns (eh), lemon grass chicken fillet (decent) and veggie fried rice (ok) for 16.95. While it's a good variety, it definitely isn't worth 17 bucks. However, if I had ordered off the regular menu, I don't know if I would have been any more excited.
It's up to you want to try this place. I think it's one of those places to try once just to say you did it. -
Review from Anthony A.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
The scuttlebutt on Tommy Toy's is that it just isn't the same without the original Tommy. I never experienced this place under Tommy's stewardship but it seems as though the second-generation owners still have a first-class operation.
I had a business lunch here with a group of investors. Service was on the spot and very attentive, dare I say even proactive. The appetizers of BBQ beef on a stick and shredded spicy chicken in a lettuce leaf were beyond compare. BTW, the chicken in lettuce should be picked up like a taco and eaten by hand for best results. The main course of stir fry chicken with beef slices and other delights came on a divided square plate that added immeasurably to the presentation. Dessert was some kind of shortcake that I wish I could name, but I'm all for new experiences.
Tommy Toy's is awesome. -
Review from Patricia H.
CA
1/21/2011
This place cracks me up. It's pretty old-style fancy Chinese/French decor, i.e. Chinoise (didn't Wolfgang Puck coin that word?) that hasn't changed in years and years. Regardless, the restaurant is still very pretty inside, albeit a bit worn. Lots of the table lamps have been cracked and glued back together, and there's some shabbiness here and there, but generally, a beautiful and comfortable room with elegant and friendly service.
The menu has been the same for years, which suits me fine. Their seafood bisque with the puff pastry dome is fantastic, and I love their mango chicken and their dim sum. Since the dim sum is cooked to order, it's very fresh and not oily or greasy as it can be at some other joints.
My favorite thing to get is the "executive lunch" which is offered 5 days a week and includes a choice of two appetizers and comes with three entrees and some of their delicious rice cooked with egg white - very light. Don't be afraid that you're going to receive some groaning platter full of food. The meal is served on pretty plates and is nicely divided up. When I was there this week we had mango chicken (a little too sweet) prawns with mushrooms and filet Mignon slices in kung pao sauce that was probably one of the best things I've put in my mouth in quite a while.
It's not for every day eating, but more for a special occasion. The service is wonderful, food is good, and the setting pretty remarkable, especially since it's situated in an otherwise boring office building on Montgomery Street.Listed in: Eating in the fidi/north…
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Review from Jenny T.
What a hidden gem!!
I've been working on Montgomery Street for the last 3 years, yet never have I seen or even heard of Tommy Toy's until today. Had the Dine About Town lunch with a friend and was thrilled with my latest discovery!! For $17.50, you get 2 appetizers and 2 entrees + egg fried rice (small portions but still filling). Also, the executive luncheon is an even better deal: $22.50 for 3 appetizers, 3 entrees + egg fried rice.
Dine About Town January 2011 Menu:
Appetizers:
- chicken dumplings: somewhat bland but cooked well - the skin is both soft & crispy, dipped in sweet sesame oil
- lettuce wraps: flavorful & tangy, has shrimp & veggies - the waiter kept reiterating "EAT IT LIKE A TACO!"
Entrees:
- black pepper filet mignon: cut into bite-size pieces, cooked with onions and snow peas - - THIS WAS SUPERB!
- spicy scallops: thinly sliced, actually wasn't too spicy but had a kimchee type of flavorListed in: Lunch in the Financial…
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Review from Clifford L.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2011
Meander along the thickly carpeted, voluptuous tasseled drapes framing carved ceiling high panels, past the teeming Aranda goldfish, you will be greeted by natty maître d' and cheong sahm hostess at the podium, and led down another semi-dim passage of artifacts in hexagon and circular window boxes to your table. Let us not omit the wall of celebrity photos of the Late great Tommy Toy. One feels royal and effortless elegance of moon gate opening into the great room of lattice panels, soft fabric walls, eggshell porcelain lanterns, and beyond, semi-draped quieter seating.
Once seated, your host, server, wishing you a pleasant evening and cocktail order taken, almost in the same breath, somehow your napkin is smoothly on your lap.
The seafood bisque, the hot and sour fusion soup, glazed ribs, shredded duck salad, brown lacquer Peking Duck, Mongolian lamb, glazed filet Mignon, scallioned lobster, chicken and snow peas, fragrant fusion fried rice . . . peach mousse, lemon mousse torte - these are foods gods never tasted. We opted for the four course, the six course is suitable for New Year's Eve.
The only thing missing were high-coiffed gliding damsels in rustling silk Tang robes. (The room's too small for charging Mongol stallions.) . . . the eunuchs? -
Review from Kit W.
4/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is very close to good. It's very fancy, but feels like an anachronism, like you are time traveling back to the 90s. It's good food, don't get me wrong, but lacks some of the vibrancy of cuisine in it's price range. It is all extremely competent... but I've had just as good, if less refined, at muuuuuch cheaper places.
So, why would I only give it three stars? I think that the quality of food is 4 stars, but the way it is served and the price associated knocks off a full star. If you just do one of the set menus, you'll never notice this, and it's fine... but if you "add" anything expecting
They force you into courses, and you are not served family style. Here's an example... I was there with my 3 year old daughter (who tends to be very good in these situations.) I figured that we'd just get her some of her favorite potstickers, so I spent $14 adding them to the dinner, expecting a small plate of 5 or so potstickers to come out.
Turns out that they just added a single potsticker to my wife and I's plate... wait a minute, did I just pay $7 EACH for potstickers?! Don't get me wrong, these are some tasty potstickers, but sheesh, that's some expensive potstickers.
We also ordered some peking duck. They wheel out this ENTIRE half duck, and my mouth was watering! They sliced off a couple of small portions and put them delicately into 2 finely steamed buns, with some plum sauce and the sliced onions. I bit into it and was in love... I was so anxious to scarf down the rest of that finely cooked fowl and I looked around... and IT WAS GONE. They gave us 2 little portions and took the rest away. I was so sad panda.
If you stick with the set menu, the seasonal one is usually plenty of food (although don't expect to leave stuffed, and you will probably be hungry in a couple of hours) for $39 a person. It's beautifully presented and the service is generally impeccable... except for taking the rest of my duuuuuck. -
Review from Peter S.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great 6 course Prix-fixe Christmas Day dinner! We'll be back!
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Review from Christy Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2010
I took my mom here for dinner before heading to see the Nutcracker. We each had the four course tasting menu. Walking in the place, was warm and inviting and all decked out for the holidays. I had the Shrimp Satay to start, the prawns were cooked perfectly and ever so lightly battered. My mom ordered the Crab Wontons, which she was very much looking forward too. And she was not disapointed, they were crispy and filled with creamy goodness. I was lucky she shared with me. Next was the soup, I had the Chicken Tomato Bisque, my mom the Seafood Bisque. I really enjoyed the presentation - they were served in a coconut and topped with a philo crust. The only bad thing was the soup was so I hot, I couldn't eat it for a good 5 minutes. I had the Snow Pea Chicken and Vanilla Prawns. The prawns were served on a slice of honeydew melon, an interesting mix of flavors and very good.
Bottomline, the food was amazing and it's a great place for a special occasion. -
Review from Tammie P.
San Francisco, CA
7/9/2011
Tommy Toys will always be one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I've been there a million times since I was 16 years old and it never gets old.
Everytime I go, I get their 6 course signature dinner. My favorites are the seafood bisque and the peking duck.
I love their tea ! I once ordered a lychee martini--- not enough lychee, too much martini. Most people would appreciate a strong martini but not I, especially because I couldn't taste any lychee in it at all.
It's supppperrrr dark and everyone is using their library voice in there so be prepared to have a nice, calm and peaceful dinner.
